Tourists coming into the Union Territory will need to have pre-booked their accommodation and transportation

The Jammu and Kashmir tourism sector will reopen in phases, beginning July 14. Only tourists coming by air would be allowed into the Union Territory to begin with, a report in The Tribune said.

Last week, Lieutenant-Governor GC Murmu had issued directions for the reopening of the sector. Government spokesperson Rohit Kansal had said the administration would come out with detailed guidelines soon.

Member-Secretary State Executive Committee Simrandeep Singh, who issued the guidelines that will be in place, was quoted as saying that tourists coming by air needed to have confirmed hotel bookings for the duration of their stay.

The tourists, who will have to undergo mandatory Covid-19 testing, will also need to have confirmed return tickets to any place outside J&K, said The Tribune.

According to the guidelines for the reopening of the Jammu and Kashmir tourism sector, all tourists need to pre-book taxis or other transportation through hotels or travel agencies.

The Tribune report said tourists would be checked for proof of online pre-booking of hotels, houseboats or guest houses.

Tourists will have to remain in the hotel where a booking has been made and shall not be permitted to move out till the Covid-19 test shows a negative result and will have to sign an undertaking to this effect at the airport, the report said, referring to the guidelines.

According to The Tribune, there is, however, no such requirement for tourists who arrive with a negative report from their city of departure. The Jammu and Kashmir administration has advised those above 65 years of age to avoid coming on a holiday.

Read the complete article in The Tribune